I've been really excited to share this book with you. The first night we had it I sat up reading through all the projects. We're definitely incorporating it into this year's homeschooling routine.
Speaking of homeschooling, why yes we are! Sam's only four, so I'm considering this my "practice run." I'm slowly gathering resources. And rather than any sort of strict schedule, I'm just going to make sure we dip into these fabulous resources somewhat regularly. Show Me a Story has forty awesome activities to help kids nurture their inate storytelling abilities. I'm thinking that means we'll be doing roughly one project a week for the coming "school year." I like routines when they create predictability, comfort and eager anticipation, not so much when they are limiting or stressful. So, I think we'll call one day a week "Story Day." We'll make the project, tell stories, maybe incorporate other topics we've been learning about into our stories. Doesn't that sound like fun?
The author has written some beautiful things about how storytelling nourishes growing minds because it helps children exercise creativity, expand emotional awareness, develop language, communication, listening skills etc. etc. which is all totally true, I'm sure. But mostly it just looks SO fun! There are story disks, story rocks, story dice, a story grab bag, creating scenes, magnetic story boards, traveling puppet theaters, a story map, taking story walks, creating a magic mailbox... I'm telling you, this is going to be one of my favorite books this year.
I plan on sharing more about how we're homeschooling once we get into the groove a bit. Right now I'm just so excited about all the great things we're going to get to do. Sam is such a curious, smart kid and I love learning right alongside him. There are tons of things about bugs, dinosaurs, volcanos, electricity, and animals that I didn't know until Sam and I learned them together. I'll keep you posted as we get a bit farther into it all. How's the start of the new school year going for you? Are your kids excited? Any new milestones? Challenges? Resources? Things you're particularly excited about? I always love the start of a new school year. This time of year still makes we want to sharpen pencils and buy clean, new notebooks.
Storey Publishing asked if they could send me this book to review. I only accept books that I think I have a good chance of enjoying, and this one blew me away!
